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Jess Bernstein of Wonderfarm near Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, raises Gloucester Old Spot pigs. The breed is known for its docility and hardiness. That hardiness is valued by farmers who raise pigs on pasture. Bernstein says she plans to be a member of the Meatsmith Co-op. The pig is enjoying a cool pool on a hot day.
Meatsmith Co-operative of Argyle, Wisconsin, is being launched by the cooperative's officers. From left are Heather Oppor, vice-president; Heidi Hoff, secretary-treasurer; and April Prusia, president. The cooperative aims to provide on-farm slaughter and meat-processing services in south-central Wisconsin.
At Wonderfarm pigs are raised for both pork and breeding purposes. The Livestock Conservancy considers Gloucester Old Spot a threatened breed. Breeds with fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States are considered threatened. But the breed is making a comeback thanks to the efforts of breeders such as Jess Bernstein.
Karen Mayhew raises sheep at Oak Springs Farm near Blanchardville, Wisconsin. She has raised different breeds but is working more toward a Clun Forest-centric flock. 'Cluns' are valued for their hardiness, milking and mothering ability. But The Livestock Conservancy also has designated Clun Forest as a threatened breed.
Lambs wander a large outdoor pen at Oak Springs Farm. They'll soon be moved to a pasture. Their shepherd, Karen Mayhew, says she prefers to have animals slaughtered on the farm. 'I’m there at the beginning of their lives and will be there at the end,' she says. 'I don’t want them to be stressed.'
'Mellow' the llama stands watch over the sheep at Oak Springs Farm. She protects them from predators. She had been named 'Surly Shirley' before guests of Mayhew's bed-and-breakfast decided to rename her.
ARGYLE, Wis. – Asked if they ever become overwhelmed, April Prusia, Heather Oppor and Dr. Heidi Hoff look at each other and laugh. They nod their heads as if to say yes, launching a cooperative is definitely hard work.
Lynn Grooms writes about the diversity of agriculture, including the industry’s newest ideas, research and technologies as a staff reporter for Agri-View based in Wisconsin.
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Mobile slaughtering services will be important to Meatsmith Co-op as it strives to provide on-farm slaughter and meat-processing services for …
Jess Bernstein of Wonderfarm near Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, raises Gloucester Old Spot pigs. The breed is known for its docility and hardiness. That hardiness is valued by farmers who raise pigs on pasture. Bernstein says she plans to be a member of the Meatsmith Co-op. The pig is enjoying a cool pool on a hot day.
Meatsmith Co-operative of Argyle, Wisconsin, is being launched by the cooperative's officers. From left are Heather Oppor, vice-president; Heidi Hoff, secretary-treasurer; and April Prusia, president. The cooperative aims to provide on-farm slaughter and meat-processing services in south-central Wisconsin.
At Wonderfarm pigs are raised for both pork and breeding purposes. The Livestock Conservancy considers Gloucester Old Spot a threatened breed. Breeds with fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States are considered threatened. But the breed is making a comeback thanks to the efforts of breeders such as Jess Bernstein.
Karen Mayhew raises sheep at Oak Springs Farm near Blanchardville, Wisconsin. She has raised different breeds but is working more toward a Clun Forest-centric flock. 'Cluns' are valued for their hardiness, milking and mothering ability. But The Livestock Conservancy also has designated Clun Forest as a threatened breed.
Lambs wander a large outdoor pen at Oak Springs Farm. They'll soon be moved to a pasture. Their shepherd, Karen Mayhew, says she prefers to have animals slaughtered on the farm. 'I’m there at the beginning of their lives and will be there at the end,' she says. 'I don’t want them to be stressed.'
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